The George C. Marshall Foundation is pleased to present the Spring 2026 lineup of its popular Legacy Lecture series with three standout talks that open unexpected windows on World War II, from women pilots to wartime zoos to Matisse under occupation. Attend in person by reservation in Lexington, Virginia, or watch live on our YouTube channel and join the Q&A.
Tuesday, March 24: Earning Their Wings | Thursday, April 16: World War Zoos | Tuesday, May 19: Matisse At War
All programs begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Reserve seats (limited availability)
At a Glance
- Time: 5:30 p.m. Eastern
- In-person at the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington, Virginia
- Live streamed on our YouTube channel
- Live Q+A
- Reception in the Camden R. Fine Lobby
- Book signing in the Robert A. Lovett Reading Room
Earning Their Wings
Join Dr. Sarah Parry Myers on Tuesday, March 24, @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Learn about the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), who faced wartime danger without recognition, then fought for long-delayed veteran status and benefits.
World War Zoos
Join Dr. John M. Kinder on Thursday, April 16 @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Discover how zoos in Warsaw, London, Berlin, Rome, and Tokyo faced bombings, food shortages, and wrenching decisions about which species to save.
Matisse At War
Join Christopher C. Gorham on Tuesday, May 19, @ 5:30 p.m. ET. Under Nazi occupation, Henri Matisse developed his famous late-period cut-outs as his family joined the Resistance, faced arrest, and helped Jewish artists escape.
Reserve Seats
In-person seating is limited. To reserve seats, email Leigh McFaddin at [email protected] or call 540.463.7103, ext. 138. Please include the program title, the number of seats requested, and your contact information. If you are unable to attend after reserving seats, let us know so we can offer your seats to others.
How to Watch + Participate
- Use the Watch Live link at the top of this page (or on an event page or email).
- During the livestream, submit questions in YouTube chat, to the lower right of the video.
- Questions are moderated and addressed during the live Q&A as time allows.
Recordings are available immediately following the live program.
Get Reminders
Join our email list for program updates, reminders, livestream links, and more.
The George C. Marshall Foundation Legacy Series is sponsored by:
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation; Edward Jones; CornerStone Bank; Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club; Raymond James